Alarming Rise in Long-Term Antidepressant Use Among Australian Youth Sparks Overprescribing Concerns
Here’s a startling fact: Australia is witnessing a dramatic surge in long-term antidepressant use, particularly among young people aged 10–24, where rates have more than doubled in the past decade. But here's where it gets controversial—while these medications are vital for managing severe depression, their prolonged use is raising red flags about overprescribing and potential risks. Could we be relying too heavily on pills instead of exploring alternative therapies?
A groundbreaking study by researchers at the University of South Australia (UniSA), published in the Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Journal, analyzed data from over 300,000 antidepressant users between 2014 and 2023. The findings are eye-opening: 45% of young people on antidepressants remain on them for more than a year, with many continuing beyond two years. This trend isn’t limited to youth—long-term use, defined as continuous medication for over 12 months, has risen across all age groups, though the spike among young Australians is particularly concerning.
Lead researcher Dr. Lasantha Ranwala highlights a critical shift in how antidepressants are being used, noting that once started, patients are staying on these medications longer than ever. This is especially troubling for younger individuals, as clinical guidelines often recommend psychological therapies as the first line of treatment. So, why the reliance on pills? And this is the part most people miss—withdrawal symptoms are frequently mistaken for a relapse, leading to extended treatment and a vicious cycle of dependency.
Across the population, long-term use jumped from 66 to nearly 85 users per 1,000 people between 2014 and 2022, stabilizing slightly in 2023. Women consistently recorded higher usage rates than men. While antidepressants are effective for moderate to severe depression, prolonged use increases the risk of side effects and complicates withdrawal. Yet, the study found no significant improvement in efforts to wean patients off these medications. For instance, the proportion of long-term users on reduced doses remained stagnant at around 17.8% over the decade.
Professor Libby Roughead, co-author and Director of the Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre, points out that deprescribing strategies are rarely implemented in clinical practice. “Given the rise in long-term use, especially among young people, this demands urgent attention,” she emphasizes. But what’s driving this trend? Researchers cite factors like the surge in mental health issues among youth, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and limited access to psychological therapies.
With mental health demands at an all-time high, the authors advocate for a balanced approach—ensuring antidepressants are used appropriately and that patients receive adequate support to taper off when clinically appropriate. “Australia needs a stronger framework for safely reducing antidepressant use, alongside better access to psychological care,” says Prof. Roughead.
Associate Professor Andrew Andrade suggests that emerging technologies, such as predictive analytics and clinical decision-support tools, could help clinicians identify when deprescribing is suitable. “Smart technologies can pinpoint patients ready for tapering, coordinate access to non-pharmacological treatments, and guide both clinicians and patients through the gradual dose-reduction process,” he explains.
This study, titled ‘Increasing Prevalence of Long-Term Antidepressant Use in Australia,’ published in Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety (DOI: 10.1002/pds.70267), raises critical questions: Are we overprescribing antidepressants? Are we neglecting psychological therapies in favor of quick fixes? And how can we better support patients in safely discontinuing medication when it’s no longer needed? We’d love to hear your thoughts—do you agree with the study’s findings? Share your perspective in the comments below!
